The MOOD Podcast

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/voice-alchemy
My Newsletter
https://mattjacobphotography.com/newsletter
Website:
www.mattjacobphotography.com
Socials:
IG | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube | @mattyj_ay

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
_________________________________________________

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
https://mattjacobphotography.com/newsletter
Website:
www.mattjacobphotography.com
Socials:
IG | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube | @mattyj_ay

"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
https://mattjacobphotography.com/voice-alchemy
My Newsletter
https://mattjacobphotography.com/newsletter
Website:
www.mattjacobphotography.com
Socials:
IG | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube | @mattyj_ay

"Sometimes the photo is the excuse - the real gift is the connection."

___________

Mitchell Kanashkevich is a travel and documentary photographer best known for his emotive portraits, vibrant visual storytelling, and deeply immersive work documenting disappearing cultures and sacred traditions. With a career spanning two decades, his images have been featured in top international publications and exhibitions — but it’s his humble, human-first approach to image-making that truly sets him apart. In this conversation, we explore not just where he goes, but how he sees, and why he photographs in the first place.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The trip that changed everything
• What shaped his early career
• Why naïveté can be an asset when photographing people
• His evolution from hobbyist to full-time photographer
• Navigating commercial needs vs. personal passion
• What it means to give back ethically
• How to build trust and connection
• The role of storytelling, aesthetic depth, and emotional resonance in strong portfolios
• Why originality is a myth

Find Mitchell's work on his platforms:

Website: www.mitchellk-photos.com
Education: www.photographic-process.com
Instagram: @mitchellkphotos
Substack: www.mitchellkphotos.substack.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.
YouTube:
www.youtube.com/@mattyj_ay
Learn with me
https://mattjacobphotography.com/voice-alchemy
My Newsletter
https://mattjacobphotography.com/newsletter
Website:
www.mattjacobphotography.com
Socials:
IG | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube | @mattyj_ay

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
______________________________________

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

My FREE eBook:
www.form.jotform.com/240303428580046
My FREE Lighting Tutorial:
www.mattjacobphotography.com/free-tutorial-sign-up
YouTube:
www.youtube.com/@mattyj_ay
Website:
www.mattjacobphotography.com
Socials:
IG @mattyj_ay | X @mattyj_ay | YouTube @mattyj_ay | TikTok @mattyj_ay