Ami Vitale's Vision to Use Photography for Real-World Impact E099
Step into the world of Ami Vitale, National Geographic photographer, filmmaker, and founder of Vital Impacts, as she shares her journey from covering conflict zones to telling the most urgent conservation stories of our time.In this conversation on the MOOD Podcast, Ami reveals why hope and action matter more than despair, the ethical responsibilities of storytelling, and how photographers can shape narratives that inspire real change.She discusses her 17-year project documenting the northern white rhino’s fight for survival, the role of AI in creativity, and how grants, mentorship, and authentic voices are reshaping the future of photography.If you’re a creator, conservationist, or simply someone who believes in the power of stories to change the world, this episode will leave you rethinking your role in shaping the future.👉 Subscribe to the MOOD Podcast for more conversations with the world’s leading creative thinkers.Follow Ami VitaleInstagram: https://www.amivitale.com/Website: https://www.instagram.com/amivitale/_________________________(00:00) Intro(02:06) Finding Hope Amid Global Despair (07:11) Why People Don’t Care About Environmental Crises (12:22) Embracing Discomfort to Reconnect With the World (15:17) Balancing Photography With Responsibility to Communities (18:10) The Ethics of Storytelling (23:13) Documenting Tourism’s Impact on Rural Landscapes (24:28) Pitching the Northern White Rhino Story (28:06) How Grants & Vital Impacts Support Emerging Photographers (36:30) Why Authenticity in Storytelling Beats AI-Generated Work (40:02) From War Zones to Conservation Photography (45:22) Including Local Communities in Wildlife Conservation Stories (48:17) Environmental Storytelling (50:40) How Media Narratives Shape Fear & Engagement (53:29) The Northern White Rhino Conservation Effort Explained (1:02:01) Ami’s Creative Process: Balancing Planning & Spontaneity (1:05:01) Redefining Success: From Front Covers to Supporting Others 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/voice-alchemyMy Newsletterhttps://mattjacobphotography.com/newsletterWebsite:www.mattjacobphotography.comSocials:IG | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube | @mattyj_ay
--------
1:09:17
--------
1:09:17
The Secret Behind Joel Grimes’ Iconic Photography Style E098
Joel Grimes doesn’t just take photographs, he creates illusions that make the impossible feel real. In this episode, we dive deep into the mind of a true master, exploring how he uses light, shadow, and imagination to redefine what photography can be. From his early experiments with lighting to the techniques behind his most iconic images, Joel takes us behind the scenes of a creative process that blends art, science, and pure intuition.Whether you’re an aspiring photographer, a creator chasing your own signature style, or simply someone who loves the magic behind incredible imagery, this episode will change the way you think about capturing the world.Prepare to see photography in a completely new light and discover the secrets that have made Joel Grimes an icon in the world of visual storytelling.Follow Joel GrimesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/joelgrimesworkshops/Website: https://www.joelgrimes.com/_________________________(00:00) Intro(01:59) Why Joel Grimes is Called an “Illusionist” (06:01) Composites: Balancing Artistry and Commercial Work (13:23) How Gatekeepers and Purists Respond to Composites (20:01) Building Resilience Against Criticism in Photography (23:26) Why Learning Rejection is Key for Photographers (26:25) Photography in the Age of AI and Social Media (38:33) Techniques for Creating Larger-Than-Life Portraits (47:35) Behind Joel’s Navajo “Portrait of a Nation” Project (54:00) The Role of Books in a Photographer’s Career and Legacy (58:01) What Teaching Photography Taught Joel Grimes (01:04:34) What’s Next After 40+ Years in Photography (01:07:26) Joel Grimes’ One Core Principle for New Photographers 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/voice-alchemyMy Newsletterhttps://mattjacobphotography.com/newsletterWebsite:www.mattjacobphotography.comSocials:IG | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube | @mattyj_ay
--------
1:12:03
--------
1:12:03
The Reality of Finding Your Voice as a Photographer - Ed Sykes E097
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/_______________________(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 PhotographyMessage 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/voice-alchemyMy Newsletterhttps://mattjacobphotography.com/newsletterWebsite:www.mattjacobphotography.comSocials:IG | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube | @mattyj_ay
--------
1:27:27
--------
1:27:27
Ask Me Anything: Everything You Wanted to Know About Life & Photography - Moments of Mood, 2.8
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. _________________________(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_ayLearn with mehttps://mattjacobphotography.com/voice-alchemyMy Newsletterhttps://mattjacobphotography.com/newsletterWebsite:www.mattjacobphotography.comSocials:IG | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube | @mattyj_ay
--------
44:38
--------
44:38
The Truth About Building a Career in Photography - Vanessa Joy E096
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/vanessajoyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessajoy/Website: https://vanessajoy.com/_________________________(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 CreativeMessage 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/voice-alchemyMy Newsletterhttps://mattjacobphotography.com/newsletterWebsite:www.mattjacobphotography.comSocials:IG | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube | @mattyj_ay
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.
Ireland