Why I QUIT Photography - and Came Back STRONGER! - Cam Vaughne, EO86
Manage episode 473286651 series 3507287
“What are you passionate about outside of photography?”
Two years after appearing as the first-ever guest on The MOOD Podcast, cultural photographer Cam Vaughne returns for a full-circle conversation that’s both deeply personal and universally relevant. Known for his culturally sensitive storytelling and ability to capture the essence of life in Bali and beyond, Cam has undergone significant transformation—both creatively and personally—since his first appearance. Cam opens up about how trauma, community, and a return to simplicity reshaped his photography. What follows is an honest, raw, and inspiring conversation about using your lens to document change—both in the world and in yourself.
In this episode, we discuss:
- How personal hardship can reconnect you with your creative roots
- Why returning to shooting “just for fun” can reignite your passion
- The impact of over-tourism and construction on local culture
- The power of community and storytelling in healing and rediscovery
- Finding your unique voice by following what interests you outside of photography
- Why it’s okay to step away from social media—and how to grow without it
- Letting go of perfection: why raw moments trump curated shots
- The importance of staying true to your art and ignoring the noise
Find Cam Vaughne's work on his channels:
Instagram: @camvaughne
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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.
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Chapters
1. Introduction to Cam Vaughne (00:00:00)
2. Photography as a Healing Tool (00:05:30)
3. Tourism's Impact on Bali (00:14:22)
4. Environmental Concerns and Solutions (00:24:10)
5. Finding Your Photography Voice (00:34:00)
6. The Evolution of Photographic Style (00:44:40)
7. Social Media's Role in Photography (00:54:10)
8. Creating Meaningful Work and Legacy (01:00:10)
99 episodes