The Hidden Cost of Chasing Success in Photography: What They Don’t Tell You - Erik Almas, E89
“I Don’t Think Photography Will Survive — But I Will.”___________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 careerHow mentorship shaped him — and why it’s missing todayWhat “finding your voice” actually means as a photographerWhy commercial photography is shrinking — and what to do about itHow AI is changing everything (and why being real matters more than ever)What Erik would create if no one was watchingFind 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_ayLearn with mehttps://mattjacobphotography.com/learnMy Newsletterhttps://mattjacobphotography.com/newsletterWebsite:www.mattjacobphotography.comSocials:IG | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube | @mattyj_ayyoreh.www.yoreh.co
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1:05:27
The Hidden Impact of Tariffs on Photography - is it too late? Moments of Mood, 2.2
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. YouTube:www.youtube.com/@mattyj_ayLearn with mehttps://mattjacobphotography.com/learnMy Newsletterhttps://mattjacobphotography.com/newsletterWebsite:www.mattjacobphotography.comSocials:IG | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube | @mattyj_ayyoreh.www.yoreh.co
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10:13
From Chronic Pain to Creative Power: Simon Baxter, EO88
"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 fuelThe 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 resultsThe tension between sharing sacred places and protecting themThe biggest misconceptions about success and validation in photographyHow Simon balances art, business, and staying true to his creative processLessons from the forest: on slowing down, staying curious, and seeing without prejudiceWhy prints matter more than Instagram likes—and how to know if a photo is truly goodBuilding community with the 617 Club and why connection mattersFind Simon's work on his channels:Website: www.baxter.photosInstagram: @baxter.photosYou 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_ayLearn with mehttps://mattjacobphotography.com/learnMy Newsletterhttps://mattjacobphotography.com/newsletterWebsite:www.mattjacobphotography.comSocials:IG | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube | @mattyj_ayyoreh.www.yoreh.co
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1:11:39
Why Trust Matters More Than Technique in Portrait Photography - Moments of Mood, 2.1
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._______________________________________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_ayLearn with mehttps://mattjacobphotography.com/learnMy Newsletterhttps://mattjacobphotography.com/newsletterWebsite:www.mattjacobphotography.comSocials:IG | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube | @mattyj_ayyoreh.www.yoreh.co
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9:02
How One Mindset Shift Changed Everything - Cam Stables, EO87
"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 storytellingHow travel fuels creativity and self-awarenessBuilding a brand that attracts the right kind of work for youWhy consistency on social media beats viralityDealing with burnout and staying grounded Balancing personal expression with commercial workHow to emotionally move people with photography and filmThe rising role of AI in the creative space—and how to stay humanAdvice for aspiring creators: gear, growth, and getting out thereFind Cam's work on his channels:Website: www.camstables.comInstagram: @cam_snapsYou 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_ayLearn with mehttps://mattjacobphotography.com/learnMy Newsletterhttps://mattjacobphotography.com/newsletterWebsite:www.mattjacobphotography.comSocials:IG | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube | @mattyj_ayyoreh.www.yoreh.co
In The MOOD Podcast, Matt Jacob, renowned cultural portrait photographer, dives deep into the world of photography and the visual arts, with guests from all around the creative industry, across all parts of the globe, sharing inspiring stories and experiences that will leave you wanting more. With years of experience and a passion for storytelling, Matt has become a master of capturing lesser-told human stories through his photography, and teams up with other special artists from around the world to showcase insights, experiences and opinions within the diverse and sometimes controversial photography world. You can watch these podcasts on his Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@mattyj_ay.You can also follow Matt's work on his Instagram @mattyj_ay and his website: https://mattjacobphotography.com.
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