All of our life experience really comes down to perception, how we perceive the world. And photography is no different.
Matt Jacob
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Matt Jacob’s journey through photography is a testament to the power of curiosity and human connection. Returning to the Great Big Photography World podcast after his first appearance, Matt brings fresh insights from his evolving path as a cultural portrait photographer.
Matt’s not just a cultural portrait photographer, though—he’s a pilot, a podcast host with The Mood Podcast nearing its 100th episode, and a guy whose curiosity about people and their stories drives everything he does. His photos don’t just capture faces; they pull you into the lives of folks on the fringes of society and show a raw emotion you will seldom experience otherwise.
Matt’s journey is all about chasing what’s different, what’s human. His camera’s his way of digging into cultures and histories he wasn’t exposed to growing up, always with a nod to keeping it authentic. He’s learned to balance the technical stuff with the soul of a moment, building trust with his subjects to create images that hit deep. And through his podcast, he’s sparking conversations that make the photography world feel a little closer, a little more open.
This episode’s more than just talk about lenses and lighting. It’s about staying open to failure, leaning into vulnerability, and finding that sweet spot where skill meets heart. Whether you’re a photographer, a creative, or just someone who loves a good story, Matt’s got something for you.
Here’s what you’re in for with this conversation:
- How flying the world as a pilot lit a fire in Matt to explore and capture diverse cultures.
- The art of connecting with people to make photos that feel true, not staged.
- Tackling self-doubt and turning “bad” shots into lessons that push you forward.
- His take on AI’s role in photography and why human connection will always win out.
Grab your coffee, pop in those earbuds, and get ready for a chat with Matt Jacob that’ll leave you inspired to see the world—and your craft—with fresh eyes. This is Great Big Photography World at its best.
Q: You’ve said photography is less about what you see and more about how you see it, emphasizing a photographer’s unique perspective. Where does that philosophy come from?
Matt: My travels as a pilot fueled my curiosity about diverse cultures and histories I wasn’t exposed to growing up. The camera became a tool to express my unique perception of the world. I embrace that everyone sees things differently, and photography allows me to capture that individuality. It’s about translating my experiences into images that reflect how I view humanity.
Q: How do you balance staying true to your subject’s reality while adding your creative voice?
Matt: It’s a collaboration built on trust, forged by spending time with subjects, sometimes living with them. This connection allows me to create authentic images while adding my artistic perspective. I treat people with respect, ensuring they’re comfortable and enriched by the experience. The work happens before the camera comes out, maintaining their truth and my vision.
Q: How do you tap into the emotional layer when composing a shot or planning a photo?
Matt: I focus on the subject’s emotions, constantly communicating to keep them engaged and relaxed. I plan the light and composition in advance, but stay adaptable since plans often change. When the light is right and we’re connected, the emotion flows naturally into the frame. It’s about capturing their essence through presence and interaction.
Key Links and Mentions From the Episode
Matt Jacob Photography
Matt’s primary platform, showcasing his cultural portrait photography that captures the essence of people on the fringes of society with authenticity and emotional depth.
The Mood Podcast
Matt’s podcast, where he hosts inspiring conversations with photographers and creatives, fostering connection and curiosity in the photography community.
Instagram
Matt’s social media presence, where he shares his cultural portraits, behind-the-scenes insights, and engages with the global photography community.
People Mentioned
Joe Edelman
A prominent U.S. photographer Matt referenced for coining the term “epicopathy,” describing the social media-driven pursuit of epic shots.
Andrew Cameron
A photographer Perrin previously interviewed, noted for his black-and-white corporate culture photography that captures authentic workplace emotions.
Tools & Gear
DSLR Cameras
Matt’s early photography tools, used when he began learning digital photography, marking his transition from casual shooting to mastering technical skills.
Note: Specific brands not mentioned, but DSLRs were pivotal in his learning curve.
Portable Printer
A compact printer Matt used to create Polaroid-sized prints on location, giving subjects tangible keepsakes of their portraits.
Note: Highlighted as part of his respectful collaboration with subjects.
Projects & Opportunities
Cultural Portrait Projects
Matt’s ongoing passion projects for 2025, focusing on deeper, year-long narratives through photography, exploring personal and cultural stories.
The Mood Podcast Expansion
Matt’s focus on growing his podcast, enhancing production, guest retention, and YouTube distribution in 2025.
Note: A key priority for building community and storytelling.
Places and Locations
Bali, Indonesia
Matt’s current home base, where he’s lived for nearly three years, drawing inspiration from its vibrant culture, festivals, and evolving social dynamics.
Note: Discussed as a rapidly changing hub impacting his perspective on humanity.
Mongolia
The location of Matt’s first photography workshop in 2017-2018, where he discovered his passion for cultural portraiture through a lighting lesson.
Note: A pivotal moment in defining his niche.
Key Themes Discussed
Authenticity in Photography
Matt’s commitment to capturing genuine moments by building trust with subjects, ensuring their reality shines through while adding his creative voice.
Curiosity as a Driving Force
The core of Matt’s work, from exploring diverse cultures to sparking viewer curiosity through thought-provoking images that invite interpretation.
Human Connection
The importance of collaboration and empathy in portraiture and podcasting, fostering meaningful interactions that enrich both Matt and his subjects or guests.
Embracing Failure
Matt’s approach to bad shots as learning opportunities, using them to refine skills and maintain a growth mindset, countering social media’s “epicopathy” pressure.
Impact of AI and Trends
Matt’s optimism about cultural portraiture’s enduring value in an AI-driven world, emphasizing human experiences and authenticity as irreplaceable.
