Exploring the World Through the Lens of Matt Jacob

After a long gap, I am back with another episode. I had recorded this a while back. I had the immense pleasure of chatting with Matt Jacob. He's not just a renowned photographer known for his evocative portraits and vibrant storytelling but also the engaging host of the Mood podcast. With his work showcasing the diverse tapestries of cultures around the globe, Matt joined us to talk about his journey, philosophy on art, and why he believes every photograph is a metaphor waiting to be unraveled.

A Passion Sparked by Travel

Matt's passion for photography was ignited through his travels as a pilot. His first career was a childhood dream that took him across the globe, allowing him to discover and record diverse cultures. This curiosity turned into self-expression as he learned to master the camera's technical skills, bringing stories of people and places to life. His love for photography was born from travel, surprise encounters in new places, and the thrill of capturing life through his lens.

The Bali Connection

Matt's journey eventually brought him to Bali, a destination that always intrigued him. As a scuba diving enthusiast, his explorations in Indonesia led him to appreciate the diversity of cultures and landscapes, inspiring him to relocate there during the pandemic. Bali offered Matt a space to live, work, and set up artistic operations, including his podcast and photography studio.

A Stylistic Evolution

Matt describes his style as "moody," characterized by dramatic lighting and expressions, often focusing on indigenous populations. His photographs are a blend of real moments and crafted compositions, capturing the essence of his subjects. His work straddles both environmental portraiture and more intimate, personal portrayals, drawing inspiration from renowned photographers like Joey L, who deeply influenced his journey.

Cultural Sensitivity and Storytelling

Navigating cultural sensitivities is one of the biggest challenges Matt faces in his photography. He stresses the importance of researching and respecting the people and cultures he photographs. Spending time with his subjects before shooting, sharing their stories, and ensuring they have access to the images are crucial steps in his process. The connections made and the experiences shared always take precedence over simply capturing an image.

The Power of Workshops

Matt's journey into education and workshops began during the Covid-19 pandemic. As he sought ways to integrate into the photography community, he started offering advice and holding informal sessions. His plans to conduct workshops and photo expeditions aim to not only share his knowledge but also to deepen his own storytelling, focusing on long-term projects that are rich in cultural depth and meaning.

Podcasting: Sharing the Art of Conversation

The genesis of Matt's podcast aligns with his love for genuine human connections. Born from Instagram live conversations and the desire to learn from others, the podcast has become a cherished project. Despite the rigorous work involved, from guest research to post-production, Matt finds fulfillment in keeping the art of conversation alive and contributing to the broader photography community.

Looking Ahead

As Matt continues to explore photography's vast landscapes, he remains focused on crafting meaningful stories and advancing his expertise, particularly with film photography. His journey over the next few years promises to be an exciting one, woven with artistic endeavors and enriching encounters.

We hope this glimpse into Matt Jacob's world inspires our listeners as much as it has inspired me.

Thanks to Apopo Studios for sponsoring this episode. They are a creative co-working space for photographers, designers and entrepreneurs in South Auckland. Don’t forget to visit www.apopostudios.nz - if you are a photographer looking for an affordable studio space or a freelancer looking for a place to work, Apopo is the space for you.

Stay connected with the Photo Country Podcast for more inspiring stories and enjoy the journey behind the lens with some of the world's most compelling photographers.

The Art of Composition: A Conversation with Ravishankar

In the opening episode of Photo Country Season 4, host Rajiv interviews veteran photographer Ravishankar, also known as the 'Wrong Side Rascal' on Instagram. The conversation delves into Ravishankar's journey in photography, which began in 2004, his love for visual composition over technical details, and his experience in street and landscape photography in Singapore. The discussion also explores the influence of cinema on Ravishankar's photography and his transition to portrait photography. Throughout the episode, the two photographers reflect on the importance of serendipity, intent, and the subtractive nature of photography. They conclude by emphasizing the therapeutic and transformative power of the photographic process.

00:00 The Beauty of Composition

00:47 Welcome to Photo Country Season Three

01:03 Introducing Ravishankar: The Wrong Side Rascal

01:41 Ravi's Photography Journey

04:44 The Influence of Visual Arts

13:20 Challenges and Discoveries in Singapore

17:52 Exploring Portrait Photography

24:20 The Importance of Composition

35:08 Capturing the Unexpected

36:55 The Constraints of Fixed Lens Cameras 39:39 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

Check out Ravi’s work here:

https://www.instagram.com/rongsiderascal/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/fantaphilosophy/

EP. 56 - Motivation and Photography with Julian Mather

In Episode 56 of the Photo Country Podcast, host Rajiv interviews Julian Mather, an accomplished documentary filmmaker, motivational speaker, and former professional magician. Julian shares his remarkable journey from being a chronic truant to becoming a successful cameraman on ABC. He delves into his passion for photography, his stint as an army sniper, and his extensive travels documenting stories around the world. Julian discusses the transition from analog to digital media, and the importance of storytelling, building trust, and simplifying complex subjects like science for lay audiences. He also reflects on his career transition into motivational speaking and offers invaluable advice for aspiring filmmakers. Tune in to be inspired by Julian’s captivating stories and profound insights.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:51 Meet Julian Mather: From Truant to Filmmaker

02:11 Julian's Early Life and Photography Passion

03:30 Joining the Army and Becoming a Sniper

05:15 Transition to Filmmaking and ABC TV

06:32 Traveling the World as a Documentary Cameraman

08:50 The Shift from Analog to Digital Media

13:40 Documentary Filmmaking Techniques and Challenges

19:38 Simplifying Complex Scientific Concepts

21:30 Building Trust and Simplifying Performances

22:37 The Art of Storytelling

25:00 Transitioning Careers: From TV to Magic

27:03 The Turning Point: Embracing Change

31:02 Becoming a Motivational Speaker

37:24 Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers

40:34 Conclusion and Contact Information

Get in touch with Julian Mather on www.julianmather.com