Why Trust Matters More Than Technique in Portrait Photography - Moments of Mood, 2.1

04/15/25 • 9 min

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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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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Previous Episode

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 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

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Next Episode

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 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

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The MOOD Podcast - Why Trust Matters More Than Technique in Portrait Photography - Moments of Mood, 2.1

Transcript

Speaker 100:00:00.059

Have you ever taken a photo of someone and felt like something was missing ? You got the light right , the composition was solid , but the image just didn't feel real . That's because great portraits aren't just about cameras or technique . They're about connection , and if you don't know how to connect with people , no amount of gear will fix that .

Speaker 100:00