The MOOD Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Pandhu Waskitha - From Backpacker to humbled Photographer, E028 Dec 21, 2023

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Pandhu Waskitha, aka 'Backpacker Tampan', is an Indonesian travel photographer with a heart for storytelling, and he shared with me his remarkable evolution from a backpacker sharing tales on 'ASKfm' to a social media sensation. He doesn't like to just snap photos—he weaves vibrant narratives that celebrate the spirit of adventure and the soul of places far and wide. My conversation with him peeled back the layers of Pandhu's artistry, revealing his battle for creative authenticity in an ever-changing digital landscape that's often more about the viral hit than the story behind it.
Navigating the tides of social media, he talked about the seismic shift from still images to the dizzying world of Instagram reels and TikTok's bite-sized content. Even as the ground shifts beneath our feet, he tries to stand firm, marrying his vision with the demands of new platforms without sacrificing the integrity of his work. Together, we uncover the delicate balance between embracing market trends and staying true to the craft, and how Pandhu's keen eye has captured more than just images, but the ethos of the communities and cultures he's encountered.
The episode culminates with a peek into Pandhu's philanthropic dreams and a touching reflection on travel's profound impact on personal growth. His stories are a mosaic of humanity, from the market vendor in Bali whose hope was kindled during tough times to the ambitious goal of building a school on Sumba Island. It's not just a conversation about photography; it's about the power to 'give back', the transformative lessons learned from each project, and a gratitude for the ability to inspire and be inspired. Join me for this thought-provoking episode that's as much about capturing the perfect shot as it is about cherishing the journey itself.
If you want to see more of Pandhu's work please visit his profiles below:
Instagram: @backpackertampan, YouTube: @BackpackerTampan,
TikTok: @backpackertampan
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Thank you for listening and for being a part of this incredible community. You can listen and watch full extended and ad-free episodes in my community - The MOOD Insiders - where I also share insights, photography tips and behind-the-scenes content on my channel as well as meet with the community on book club weekly events, special guest features, bonus content, open forum access, free resources and so much more.

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From Monochrome Visions to Vibrant Ventures: The Odyssey of a Colourblind Photographer, E027 Dec 13, 2023

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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!

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From Failure to Focal Point: Anest Putra's Unlikely Photography Career, E026 Nov 26, 2023

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Could you imagine turning a business failure into an unexpected career in photography? That's the incredible story of our guest, Anest Putra, a Jakarta-based portrait photographer whose journey into the realm of photography started as a way to settle a troubled business investment. Anest isn’t just passionate about the art of photography but also values deeply the human connection it brings, often spending significant time with his subjects, understanding them before capturing their essence.
Navigating the professional sphere of photography in Jakarta, Anest's strategy for booking studio sessions, balancing a robust social media presence while honing his craft, and the pressure to constantly churn out quality content makes for a fascinating exploration into the life of a professional photographer in Indonesia. We discuss the fine line between being an artist and photographer, the struggle of balancing art and commercial work, and the importance of delegation in achieving business success. In the latter part of this episode, we also dive into the concept of success, happiness, and inspiration.
Thank you to Anest for digging deep and braving the world of English-speaking podcasts, it was a pleasure to have him on.
Find his digital platforms with the links below:
Instagram: @bejanawaktu
Website: https://campsite.bio/bejanawaktu
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The Allure of Untouched Landscapes: Alex Strohl's Take on Photography and Travel, E025 Nov 21, 2023

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This episode explores Alex Strohl's captivating narrative of entering the photography world, his subsequent filmmaking transition, and his passion for capturing nature's raw beauty and the nuances of human interactions. He drills into the importance of leveraging your strengths and adopting the path of least resistance to carve out a successful career, thereby offering a novel lens through which to view the world, a lens that melds scenic landscapes and global travel experiences.
We further explore the influence of social media on society, particularly its impact on budding photographers and teenagers. We have an interesting discussion on the pros and cons of social media and the necessity to strike a healthy balance between virtual and real-world interactions. We address the pervasive issue of imposter syndrome and the societal pressure to present an immaculate image on social media platforms. We also talk about the fascinating realm of travel photography and the promotion of off-season travel, spanning the planning and execution of a travel project and the significance of networking in the industry to have such freedoms when on a job.
This was an inspiring conversation with one of the best out there, covering insightful advice to beginners on utilizing social media to expand their photography business, underlining ambition and relentless hard work's indispensable role.
Thanks greatly to Alex for his participation and patience during the recording, his time is extremely appreciated, and I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did!
You can find Alex and his work on his platforms below:
Website: https://www.alexstrohl.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexstrohl
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@alexstrohl
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Redefining the Spectrum of Success in the Photographic Realm, Moments of Mood, 1.5 Nov 09, 2023

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Ever wondered what success in photography truly looks like? This episode prompts you to rethink the conventional definition of success as we journey through the captivating photographic landscapes of renowned artists like Annie Liebovitz, Richard Avedon, and others. We delve into their storytelling prowess, their knack for unveiling the hidden hues of personality, and their immersive exploration of urban landscapes. I identify the unique perspectives of a few of these artists and how they lend an unconventional and deeper meaning to success.
Navigating the ever-evolving digital world, it's worth pondering the role of social media platforms as essential tools for artists to showcase their craft and connect with audiences. There are of course potential pitfalls of equating success to the number of likes or followers. Drawing inspiration from photographers who leverage digital platforms to inspire rather than merely chase digital accolades, I underline that true success in photography hinges on personal fulfillment, passion, and making a difference.
I hope this small commentary helps you redefine the contours of success in the world of photography and art.
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Exploring the Art of 'The Moment': An Exploration of Capturing Stirring Imagery, Moments of Mood, 1.4 Nov 03, 2023

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Ever wondered why some photos captivate your soul and etch a memory in your mind? The magic may just lie in 'The Moment'.
In this episode of 'Moments of Mood' - the fourth in a series of mini self-explorations into various sub-topics of photography or visual art philosophy - I talk about this crucial element of photography, analyzing its key components such as timing, emotion, narrative, and many others.
I also explore the role of intuition and the importance of being present as well as researching and studying the works of the photographers you admire; one that comes up here is 'The Decisive Moment' by Henri Cartier-Bresson, a master of manipulating and capturing 'The Moment'.

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A Look into Creative Pursuits & Triumphs with Julia Kursten, E024 Oct 25, 2023

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Are you ready to step into the world of filmmaking through the eyes of an ambitious Austrian filmmaker, Julia Kursten? A world where the lens captures more than just visuals, but also the struggles, triumphs, and the determination of a woman in a male-dominated industry.
In this episode I explore the fascinating world of digital art and post-processing with Julia, drawing back the curtain on the creativity and skill involved. I also delve into the importance of establishing oneself professionally when seeking new clients and discuss the transformative effect of AI on this industry. Julia's experiences around the world reveal an inspiring tale of community support for budding creatives, while our discussion about self-care underlines the importance of recognizing burnout and taking time off.
Finally, we get into the more technical side of filmmaking. Julia sheds light on the benefits of using prime lenses and the power of the Sony FX3 camera. We also explore the challenges women face in a male-dominated industry and the crucial role a supportive community can play. As we wrap up the conversation, the importance of finding a meaningful cause and purpose in your creative work stands out as a resounding message.
Find Julia on the following platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliakursten
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@juliakursten
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JuliaKursten
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-kürsten/

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From Portraits to Podcasts: The Inspiring Story of Taya Iv, E023 Oct 18, 2023

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In our latest episode, I had the pleasure of hosting the multi-talented Taya Iv. Best known for her striking self-portraits, Taya's expertise reaches beyond the lens, touching the realms of podcasting and writing. This episode is exploration into her journey - from the early days on social media to becoming an influential figure in the photography industry and a valued ambassador of 500px.
Throughout our chat, Taya emphasizes the importance of setting clear goals and staying motivated, and she shares her experiences with the 52-week project and the Photographycourse.net community. We also delved into the power of art and photography in challenging preconceived notions and sparking constructive conversations.
In the latter part of our conversation, Taya opened up about her podcasting journey - the highs, the lows, and the learnings. We talked about the art of giving and receiving feedback, the importance of developing a unique photographic style, and how she creates emotional portraits. Additionally, we explored the impact of artificial intelligence on photography and the tools she utilizes in her work. Whether you're a budding photographer, an avid podcast listener, or simply someone intrigued by the intersections of art and technology, this episode offers a wealth of insights that promise to both educate and inspire.
Find Taya’s wonderful work on some of her platforms below:
Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/tayaiv/
500px: https://tayaiv.500px.photography/
Photographycourse.net: https://photographycourse.net/

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From Yak Magazine to Capturing Bali Through Photography with Sophie Digby, E022 Oct 11, 2023

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Join me on a captivating journey with Sophie Digby, co-founder of the Yak Magazine, as we delve deep into the heart of Indonesian culture. Get ready to immerse yourself in rich discussions about the influence of the Majapahit Kingdom on Balinese wood and stone carving, the powerful energy of Bali, and the animistic roots of Hindu Dharma.
Sophie has an intriguing story to share, peppered with her personal experiences and observations from decades of living in Bali and working for the Japan Times. Together, we dissect the impact of the Yak Magazine on Bali's luxury lifestyle and the shift it brought about in traditional Balinese culture. Despite the challenges brought on by the first Bali bombing and the COVID-19 pandemic, Sophie's resilience and determination are truly inspiring.
But that's not all; I also venture into Sophie's transition to a new publishing role and her fascination with travel photography. From her favourite spots to her preferred photography styles, Sophie's insights are a goldmine for aspiring photographers worldwide. We wrap up our conversation by discussing the importance of cultural respect and understanding when visiting new countries, and the power of connecting people with the right resources to create lasting impact. Don't miss this enlightening episode with Sophie Digby!

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In the Heart of the Matter: Joey L's Vision for Photography and Philanthropy, E021 (part 2) Oct 04, 2023

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Welcome to the next part of our episode hosting Joey L, the wonderfully inspirational portrait photographer. In this second half we talk a little more comprehensively about his business philosophies, his processes on location, his equipment, social media and the future of photography, both in its opportunities and risks.
If you missed the first part of this episode, listen to it here.
Joey expertly balances control and spontaneity, blending his vision with the rich realities of the environment and people he's photographing. Get a glimpse into Joey's gear bag as he shares his preference for medium format photography and his experience with the illustrious Phase One camera.
Ever wondered about the intersection of photography, art, and charity? Joey L, with his heart as wide as his lens, answers this question with profound insights. He shares his philosophy of giving back to the communities he photographs, a noble ethos that has played a significant role in raising plenty of money and awareness for different charities. Joey doesn't shy away from discussing the often controversial fusion of art and charity, instead, he embraces the responsibility of immortalizing people in his photographs.
Joey L's passion for his craft is palpable, and his fearless approach is contagious. I talk to him about his thought process behind choosing projects, the importance he places on faith in one's work, and how he navigates the delicate spaces where culture and loss intersect in his photos. And for a dash of unexpected fun, Joey reveals his love for his guilty pleasure!
Join me as we wrap up this enlightening conversation with Joey L, a photographer with unwavering commitment, a multidimensional artist, and above all, a human with a heart that beats for change. I'm so thankful I got to have a conversation with this special artist. Thank you Joey.
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