“The most powerful images you’ll ever create won’t come from pressing the shutter. They’ll come from learning how to see — clearly, intentionally, and fully.”
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In this episode of Moments of Mood, I share the story of a photography workshop (back in the day) that quietly reshaped everything for me — not just as a photographer, but as an artist and human. What started as a curious endeavour turned into a complete shift in how I see light, connect with people, and approach the creative process.

In this episode, I cover:

• The exact moment I learned how to shape light with feeling, not just exposure
• Why I stopped picking up the camera before earning trust
• The silent power of presence — and how it transforms your photos
• The truth about creative ego and photographing with respect
• 5 practical tips to become more intentional with your craft
• Why slowing down has made my work feel more alive

You can also watch this video on my YouTube channel here.

Happy Shooting,

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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/voice-alchemy

My Newsletter
https://mattjacobphotography.com/newsletter

Website:
www.mattjacobphotography.com

Socials:
IG | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube | @mattyj_ay

“I Don’t Think Photography Will Survive — But I Will.”
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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 career
• How mentorship shaped him — and why it’s missing today
• What “finding your voice” actually means as a photographer
• Why commercial photography is shrinking — and what to do about it
• How AI is changing everything (and why being real matters more than ever)
• What Erik would create if no one was watching

Find 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_ay

Learn with me
https://mattjacobphotography.com/learn

My Newsletter
https://mattjacobphotography.com/newsletter

Website:
www.mattjacobphotography.com

Socials:
IG | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube | @mattyj_ay

yoreh.
www.yoreh.co

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_ay

Learn with me
https://mattjacobphotography.com/learn

My Newsletter
https://mattjacobphotography.com/newsletter

Website:
www.mattjacobphotography.com

Socials:
IG | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube | @mattyj_ay

yoreh.
www.yoreh.co