After a few really busy weeks shooting weddings, I've realised something... I'm genuinely excited about photography again.

In this episode, I wanted to chat about where that inspiration has come from because it definitely wasn't one big thing. It was lots of small things that all came together.

Watching Toy Story 5 reminded me how powerful storytelling can be. I started adapting my vintage 1970s film lenses onto my mirrorless cameras and completely fell in love with the look they produce. I've been experimenting with Pro Mist filters, playing around with my Insta360, showing more of my personality on social media, and even filming myself reviewing a Marks & Spencer sandwich just for fun.

None of these things have magically made me a better photographer. They've simply made photography feel exciting again.

I also talk about why consuming creative work outside of photography is so important, why doing things purely for yourself can make a huge difference, and why sometimes the best ideas come when you stop trying so hard to find them.

If you've been feeling a little burnt out or stuck in a creative rut, I hope this episode reminds you that inspiration is usually found away from Instagram and away from photography Facebook groups. Sometimes all it takes is trying something new, watching a great film, visiting somewhere different, or simply giving yourself permission to create for the fun of it.

In this episode, we chat about:

• Why watching films can make you a better photographer and storyteller

• Using vintage Canon FD and Olympus OM lenses on modern mirrorless cameras

• How Pro Mist filters have changed the way I look for light

• Why buying new gear can sometimes reignite your creativity

• My first impressions of the Insta360 Go 3S

• Showing more of your personality on social media and why clients love it

• My recent wedding, engagement shoot and trip to Vindolanda

• Why creativity comes from living, not just photographing

If you've been waiting to feel inspired again, this one's for you. Grab a coffee, come for a chat, and hopefully you'll finish this episode wanting to pick your camera up and create something just because it sounds fun.

This week's episode is exactly what the podcast was named for. Just a good old photo chat.

I'm catching you up on a few things I've been trying recently, including the new Insta360 GO 3S, my latest AirPods, and why I've completely fallen in love with using Pro Mist filters at weddings. We chat about buying gear with intention, avoiding unnecessary upgrades, and focusing on equipment that genuinely improves your photography rather than simply collecting the latest gadgets.

With the Fourth of July just around the corner, we also take a little detour into some brilliantly weird facts about the US, from the shortest commercial flights in Alaska to a town with just one resident. If you're anything like me and love traveling around the greatest country on Earth, you'll probably enjoy this part.

To finish the episode, I thought we'd do something a little different with a fun photography draft. Think of it like building your ultimate photography setup and dream wedding day by picking your favorites from different categories. Feel free to play along and see if your choices match mine.

In this episode, we chat about:

• Why I decided to buy the Insta360 GO 3S and how I plan to use it at weddings
• My thoughts on Pro Mist filters and the subtle difference they've made to my images
• Buying camera gear with purpose instead of chasing every new release
• A few weird and wonderful facts about America ahead of Independence Day
• A fun photography draft where I choose my favourite cameras, lenses, locations, lighting and more
• A relaxed catch up filled with photography chat, travel, gear and a few random tangents along the way

Whether you're editing galleries, driving to a wedding, or just looking for a laid back photography podcast to keep you company, I hope you enjoy this week's episode.

If you enjoyed it, I'd really appreciate it if you could follow the podcast and leave a rating on Spotify. It genuinely helps more photographers discover the show. As always, thanks so much for listening, and I'll see you in the next episode.

Whether you realise it or not, the way you talk about yourself and your business has a huge impact on how other people see you.

In this episode of Photo Chat with Matt, I'm talking about confidence, personal branding, and why photographers need to stop making themselves smaller than they really are. From calling it your "little business" to apologising for your prices, I think far too many photographers unintentionally undermine themselves before clients even have the chance to make up their minds.

I also dive into something that's been winding me up lately: "pick me" photographers. You know the ones. The photographers who spend more time telling everyone why they're better than everybody else than simply showing great work. Whether it's bragging about never using AI, criticising other photographers' workflows, or turning every post into a subtle dig at the competition, I explain why I think this kind of marketing does more harm than good.

Along the way, we chat about building genuine confidence through experience, why clients want someone who feels calm and trustworthy, the difference between gratitude and insecurity, and why your pricing should never come with an apology attached. I also share one of my favourite psychology concepts, the Dunning Kruger effect, and how it applies to photographers at every stage of their careers.

If you've ever struggled with imposter syndrome, worried about charging what you're worth, or found yourself comparing your business to everyone else's on social media, I hope this episode gives you a fresh perspective.

In this episode:

• Why calling it your "little business" might be doing more damage than you realise

• The difference between confidence and arrogance

• Why photographers should stop apologising for their prices

• What I mean by a "pick me photographer" and why this style of marketing never sits right with me

• Why putting other photographers down isn't a business strategy

• How clients actually choose photographers and what really builds trust

• The difference between gratitude and insecurity

• How experience creates real confidence over time

• The Dunning Kruger effect and why it's one of my favourite psychology concepts

• Why you should be proud of everything you've built as a photographer

If you enjoyed this episode, I'd really appreciate it if you could leave a rating or share it with another photographer. It genuinely helps the podcast grow and allows me to keep making new episodes.

You can also find me on Instagram @mattdoddphoto, where I share wedding photography, behind the scenes content, and plenty more photography chat.