50,000 Reasons to Reflect, Reframe, and Be Merry

Merry Christmas all!

And hello, you beautiful people.

Recently I uploaded another episode of ‘Moments of Mood’ - a series of monologue-type videos on YouTube - to say thank you to all my listeners. You can watch it here.

As we pass 50,000 subscribers of The MOOD Podcast this holiday season, I’m filled with gratitude for each of you that watch, listen and follow. When I first began this journey, my goal was simple: to connect, to learn, and to create a space where we could explore the beauty and challenges of photography together. This isn’t just for the podcast, it’s about the community I’m trying to garner through photography, one I feel we (and myself) need.

What began as a personal outlet has evolved into a multi-faceted collaboration and community of artists, creators, and storytellers. It’s been a privilege to dive into not just the techniques of photography, but the mindsets, struggles, and victories that define this art form.

This milestone - and of course Christmas - offers a perfect opportunity to reflect on where we’ve been, the lessons we’ve learned, and the steps we can (all) take to grow as people, as artists and as a community in the new year.


“Photography, when done with intention, isn’t just a technique. It’s a deeply personal reflection of how we see and interact with the world.”


1. Reflection and Gratitude

  • Reflecting on your creative journey is vital. As I shared on the podcast, “Photography, when done with intention, isn’t just a technique. It’s a deeply personal reflection of how we see and interact with the world.”

  • Gratitude can turn challenges into lessons. Every missed shot or failed project holds the potential for growth.

  • Untether yourself from unhelpful dependencies. Whether it’s external validation or fear of failure, recognize what might be holding you back (yes, easier said than done) and embrace the discomfort that comes with change.

  • This season, take a moment to pause. Think about how the challenges of 2024 shaped your perspective and prepared you for the year ahead.

2. The Power of Community and Shared Growth

  • Creative work thrives when shared. The podcast really has taught me the value of bringing voices together to inspire, challenge, and uplift each other. I will continue to do this, hopefully bigger and better each time. As I said on the show, “Podcasting isn’t just about sharing information. It’s about cultivating empathy, expanding our viewpoints, and creating spaces for thoughtful conversations.”

  • Reframe your goals to include others. Ask yourself: how can your creativity serve a greater purpose? That’s where the real beauty lies.

  • Growth doesn’t happen in isolation. Lean into curiosity and collaboration to unlock your full potential as an artist and individual.


“Service is the path to fulfillment and meaning.”


3. Looking Ahead with Purpose

  • Moving into 2025, align your creative goals with your deeper values. Purpose-driven work is more meaningful and sustainable.

  • On the podcast, I reflected on the idea that photography begins in the mind: “It’s your attitudes, knowledge, and perceptions that shape your vision.” Use this as a reminder to approach your craft with intention. Slow down, think.

  • Embrace failure as a step toward mastery. “Put in the reps,” as was said on one of the episodes with Josiah Gordon, because every failure brings insight and growth.

  • Re-frame change as an ‘act of service’, to yourself or to others. Think beyond personal gain and ask: what can my creativity contribute to my personal growth or others’? This gives so much purpose, fulfillment and joy.

As we celebrate this milestone together, I’d love to hear from you. What was the most memorable lesson you learned this year? Did The MOOD Podcast inspire your creative journey at all?

Don’t forget you can watch my recent video to you all here. Let me know what you think. Furthermore, comment or reply to this newsletter, or leave a comment on YouTube—I read every one. If you’ve enjoyed these conversations, your likes, comments, and shares help us grow this community and bring even more value in the new year.

Here’s to reflecting, reframing, and creating with purpose. Thank you for being part of this journey.

Happy Holidays to you all,

Happy Shooting,

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why failure is your greatest teacher