The MOOD Podcast

In this week's episode of The MOOD Podcast, I jumped online with Casey Fatchett.
For more than 20 years, people have been paying him to chase the love of photography. In that time, he's photographed more than 700 weddings, thousands of portrait sessions. worked with big brands, A-list celebrities, as well as many small businesses and regular folks. His rather playful title as a 'love documentarian' doesn't just embody his work; it narrates the stories of relationships he's framed, from the quiet affections of a golden anniversary to the lively chaos of wedding day bliss. In my conversation with him, we journey through the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of a photographer deeply rooted in the business of capturing, well, love.
Casey doesn't just stop at the click of the shutter; his wealth of knowledge extends to the crucial entrepreneurial spirit needed to navigate the competitive photography scene. For those with a camera in hand and dreams of making it their livelihood, this episode is a goldmine of wisdom, from setting rates to handling the unexpected. We also wade into the deeper waters of social media's impact on our mental health, unpacking strategies to harness these powerful platforms for good, without letting them dictate our self-worth.
Stress, boundaries, and the courage to utter a clear "no" are lifelines in the high-stakes game of professional photography. As creatives, we often blur the lines between work and passion, but as Casey shares, managing anxiety and setting non-negotiable limits is what keeps the love for the craft burning bright.
Check our Casey's work, including his 'Nerdy Photographer' Podcast, at the links below:
Website: https://nerdyphotographer.com
Instagram: @caseyfphoto / @thenerdyphoto
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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/learn
My Online Community
https://academy.mattjacobphotography.com/offers/yvVLzeWu
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www.mattjacobphotography.com
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yoreh.
www.yoreh.co

What if a single moment could redefine your entire career?
In this episode, British-born photographer Phil Penman, known for his compelling street photography in New York, shares how his observational experience and resilience during 9/11 shifted his focus from celebrity photography to more photojournalism-type work, leading him to capture profound and impactful images on the New York's streets.
Known for documenting the raw and unfiltered essence of urban life, Phil's work reflects a deep understanding of the human condition in the beauty of metropolitan environments.
What we discussed:

• How 9-11 transformed Phil's career
• The importance of self-critique and high standards
• Balancing spontaneous and planned shots
• Overcoming creative ruts and leveraging social media
• Finding your own style and being true to one's self.

Find more of Phil's work on his website and Instagram:Website: www.philpenman.com
Instagram: @philpenman______________________________________________________________________________________________

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/learn
My Online Community
https://academy.mattjacobphotography.com/offers/yvVLzeWu
My Newsletter
https://mattjacobphotography.com/newsletter
Website:
www.mattjacobphotography.com
Socials:
IG | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube | @mattyj_ay
yoreh.
www.yoreh.co

In this episode I talk with Rio Helmi, an Indonesian photographer and writer. Rio has captured Asia's diverse landscapes and cultures since 1978. His work has featured in major publications like Time and Vogue, and he has exhibited globally in cities such as Bali, Madrid, and San Francisco. Based in Bali for over 4 decades, Rio has spent years documenting the interaction between indigenous peoples and their environment. He has published several photographic books, including "Memories of the Sacred" and "Popo Danes – Bali Inspired," and has made many contributions to platforms such the Huffington Post.
In my conversation with him we explored his rich and diverse journey in photography, his unique teaching philosophy, and how his Buddhist practice influences his art. Rio shares compelling stories from his extensive travels, offering deep insights into the art of mindful photography and the importance of connecting with one's subjects.

What you'll take away from this episode:

• Mindful Photography: Understanding the importance of mindfulness in photography and how it enhances the quality and depth of your work.
• Cultural Connection: The skill of deepening connections with subjects and improving storytelling.
• Teaching Philosophy: A unique approach to teaching photography, emphasizing self-awareness and empathy.
• Personal Stories: Insights from Rio's personal anecdotes about his early life, travels, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career.
• The Role of Spirituality: Integration of certain beliefs into photography and teaching, promoting a holistic approach to the art.
• Impact of Digital Evolution: Rio's perspective on the shift from analog to digital photography and its implications for artistic creativity.
• AI and Photography: A discussion on the rise of AI in photography and its potential effects on the authenticity of visual storytelling.

Find Rio's work on his website: https://riohelmi.com/
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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/learn
My Online Community
https://academy.mattjacobphotography.com/offers/yvVLzeWu
My Newsletter
https://mattjacobphotography.com/newsletter
Website:
www.mattjacobphotography.com
Socials:
IG | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube | @mattyj_ay
yoreh.
www.yoreh.co

In this episode I spoke with brand expert Tom Spark, about how we create successful brands as photographers that propel our artwork forward and drive authentic, but popular communication.
Together, we talked a lot about the web of content creation and online representation—how to strike the right notes of enthusiasm, authenticity and clarity, and why your 'divine spark' might just be the one thing that sets you apart from the others.
Other topics of value that we discussed, include:

• value propositioning
• T-shaped personal branding
• personal interests vs. professional needs
• connecting your quirks with success
• mental health as a digital creator
• communicating with integrity and purpose.

Listen to this episode for some great tips and tricks when thinking about your brand as a creative - a subject that often gets overlooked but is one of the most important things to nail if you want to be successful in your creative journey.
Find Tom's info here:
Instagram: @tomspark_
Website: https://hoo.be/tomspark
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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, Facebook and TikTok or check out my website for my complete portfolio of work.
yoreh.
www.yoreh.co
discount code: moodpdcst.23

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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.
YouTube:
www.youtube.com/@mattyj_ay
Learn with me
https://mattjacobphotography.com/learn
My Online Community
https://academy.mattjacobphotography.com/offers/yvVLzeWu
My Newsletter
https://mattjacobphotography.com/newsletter
Website:
www.mattjacobphotography.com
Socials:
IG | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube | @mattyj_ay
yoreh.
www.yoreh.co