How I’d Learn Photography in 2025 (If I Were Starting from Scratch) - Moments of Mood, 2.6

The MOOD Podcast

Welcome back to another episode of Moments of Mood, and this week I break down how I would actually learn photography if I were starting over today. Not from theory — from experience. I reflect on my own path, critique the broken systems of education, and offer a mindset-first, meaning-driven approach to building your photography from the ground up.

You won’t find a checklist of gear. You’ll find an invitation to slow down, tune in, and start making images that reflect something honest.

***Want to watch the 6-hour FREE photography course video that follows this episode? Yes, that's right, I have given away the first 6 hours of my photography course FREE for you to watch on YouTube!***

Watch it here: https://youtu.be/PZ-ePEf26vA

Some things I touch upon:

• Why traditional education fails most creatives
• How to build your artistic identity, not just technical skill
• The importance of books, long-form learning, and mentorship
• What to ignore (gear hype, comparison, validation traps)
• What to lean into (honesty, curiosity, community)

If this resonates, I guide photographers through this process every day. Not with a blueprint, a practice. Not a course, a path. If you want to find more, click on the link below under 'Learn With Me' to find out more about my highly tailored and individualized mentorship program.

__________________________________________________________

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

Chapters

1. Questioning your photography journey (00:00:00)

2. Why traditional education fails photographers (00:01:33)

3. Learning through listening and studying greats (00:03:43)

4. Expanding vision beyond photography (00:06:28)

5. Community, mentorship and honest feedback (00:08:15)

6. Gear minimalism and competition caution (00:10:42)

7. Be the only, not the best (00:13:01)