"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

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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:
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Learn with me
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www.mattjacobphotography.com

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“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,

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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.

YouTube:
www.youtube.com/@mattyj_ay

Learn with me
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“I Don’t Think Photography Will Survive — But I Will.”
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Erik Almas is a legendary photographer known for his cinematic composites and emotionally rich commercial work. With a career spanning 25 years, he’s shot global campaigns for brands like Audi and Pfizer — but beneath the surface lies a deeper story about artistic identity, mentorship, burnout, and the search for meaning.

In this intimate and revealing conversation, Erik unpacks how the industry has changed, why he stepped beyond photography, and what legacy really means when everything fades.

Things we discussed:

• The one photo that changed Erik’s entire career
• How mentorship shaped him — and why it’s missing today
• What “finding your voice” actually means as a photographer
• Why commercial photography is shrinking — and what to do about it
• How AI is changing everything (and why being real matters more than ever)
• What Erik would create if no one was watching

Find Erik's work on his platforms:

Website: https://www.erikalmas.com/
Instagram: @erikalmas

_______________________________________________

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
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At the time of posting, things are retreating in the tariff landscape but still, the US government's new (temporary or permanent?) tariffs on imported goods are creating a shifting landscape for photographers that could affect everything from gear prices to client bookings. Or are they? Is this just more politic? Another fumbled PR stunt, or maybe even a clever economic negotiating tactic?

Whatever they are, do they affect us as creatives who use gear or may even charge clients for our services and products?

These changes might impact professional and hobbyist photographers differently depending on many things, but understanding the potential effects now can help us adapt before feeling the pressure.

Photographers are often individual solopreneurs so it can be difficult to hear what others are experiencing. I'd love to hear what pressures you're feeling. Are you seeing prices rise already? Have you felt any pressure from clients or suppliers? 

Drop me a comment because even in uncertain times, photography still matters and the people who see the shift early are the ones who last.

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.

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Learn with me
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"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

_____________________________________________

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
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Website:
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Socials:
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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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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
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Website:
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Socials:
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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

_______________________________________________

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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www.mattjacobphotography.com

Socials:
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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.

YouTube:
www.youtube.com/@mattyj_ay

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

My Newsletter
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www.mattjacobphotography.com

Socials:
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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

__________________________________________________

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:
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Learn with me
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My Newsletter
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Socials:
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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

_________________________________________________

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

My Newsletter
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Website:
www.mattjacobphotography.com

Socials:
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